According to local security officials, 16 civilians were
killed and at least 10 injured when two separate wedding
processions were hit on 12 December in Al-Baida Governorate.
The victims had been mistakenly identified as members of
Al-Qaeda, the officials said.

“If armed drones are to
be used, States must adhere to international humanitarian
law, and should disclose the legal basis for their
operational responsibility and criteria for targeting,”
said Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial,
summary or arbitrary executions. “Yemen cannot consent
to violations of the right to life of people in its
territory,” he added.

Special Rapporteur on Torture
Juan Méndez also expressed concern about the legitimacy of
the airstrikes, highlighting that each State was obliged to
undertake due investigation into the reported incidents,
including the effect on civilians.

“A deadly attack on
illegitimate targets amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment if, as in this case, it results in serious
physical or mental pain and suffering for the innocent
victims,” Mr. Méndez said.

Mr. Heyns stressed the need
for accountability when drones were used. He called on the
two States involved, the US and Yemen, to disclose whether
they were responsible, and if so, what targeting standards
were used, how many civilians were killed, and whether they
plan to provide compensation for the victims’ families.

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